Monday, March 7, 2016
Srivilliputhur, Sri Andal Temple, 108 Divya Desam
This Divya kshetram is close to Tenkasi on Tenkasi Virudhunagar road. This shetram is
the birthplace of Periaazhwar and Sri Andal. The moolavar is Vatapatrasayee in a
reclining posture. In Andal shrine Lord Rangamannar is with Andal and Garudaazhwar
on either side. The Thayar is also called Kothai Nachiyar. The Theertham is
Tirumukkulam and the Vimanam Samsana Vimanam. The standing posture of Garuda
along with Lord Vishnu is unique in this temple.
The legend has it that Periaazhwar was serving the deity in this shetram by offering
garlands from the garden he maintained. Once while plucking flowers in the garden he
found a child on a flower in the garden and named her Andal and brought her up in the
service of the Lord. One day Periaazhwar found Andal wearing the garland meant for the
Lord. Discarding that garland he prepared fresh garland and offered them to the Lord.
Periaazhwar was surprised to find the Lord refusing to accept the garland except the one
used by Andal. Hence Andal is called Choodi Kudutha Nachiyar. As per the wishes of
the Lord Periyaazhwar gave Andal in marriage to Sri Ranganathar and Andal on entering
the sanctum merged with the Lord.
It is believed that two hunters named Villi and Puthan built this town and hence this place
gained the name Srivilliputhur. Andal’s celebrated 30 verses in praise of the Lord, called
Tiruppavai, are being rendered in all Vaishnavite temples during the early hours of each
day in the Tamil month of Margazhi.
The temple has two major areas, considered as two temples. The northeastern segment is
the Vatapatrasayee temple while the southwestern segment is Aandaal's temple.
The Andal temple now stands on the place, which belonged to periyazhwar who had built
his house there. As one enters the temple compound, one can see Sri periazhwar's
Nandavanam on the left.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam:
Periyaazhwar – 133
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